U.S. steel product imports fell by 11.5% during the January–November period

The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), citing final data from the U.S. Census Bureau, reported that the United States imported a total of 1.639 million net tons (NT) of steel in November. Of this volume, 1.085 million NT consisted of finished steel products. Compared with October, total steel imports declined by 5.2%, while finished steel imports fell by a sharper 18.7%.

On a year-to-date basis, total steel imports were down 11.5% compared with the same period of 2024, while finished steel imports declined by 15.4%. Based on 12-month data covering December 2024–November 2025, total steel imports decreased by 10.5%, and finished steel imports fell by 13.3%. AISI noted that finished steel imports accounted for approximately 14% of U.S. steel consumption in November, and 19% during the first 11 months of 2025.

M-o-m, the most notable increase in November was recorded in heavy structural shapes, with imports rising by 44%. This was followed by billet, bloom and slab imports, up by 40%, line pipe imports, up by 32%, and tin plate, which increased by 18%. On a y-o-y basis for the December 2024–November 2025 period, imports of tin plate rose by 37%, line pipe by 17%, wire rod by 16%, and oil country tubular goods (OCTG) by 15%.

On the supplier side, Canada remained the largest source of U.S. steel imports in November, shipping 257,000 NT, though volumes were down by 18% from October. Brazilian shipments declined by 16% m-o-m to 247,000 NT, while Mexico recorded a 7% increase to 165,000 NT. South Korea’s shipments rose by 28% to 165,000 NT, and Germany’s exports increased by 23% to 85,000 NT.

Looking at the December 2024–November 2025 period, Canada retained its leading position with 4.811 million NT, although shipments were down by 27% compared with the previous 12-month period. Brazil’s exports fell by 16% to 3.982 million NT, while Mexico’s shipments declined by 13% to 3.013 million NT. South Korea posted a 6% decrease to 2.704 million NT, whereas Germany recorded a 7% increase, reaching 1.160 million NT.